Olde World Reserve Maduro by Rocky Patel

I grabbed this cigar before scooting down to Cincinnati for another fun working weekend - I was hoping for warm weather, and finally, late sunday afternoon, the sun finally decided to make an appearance.

I stepped outside, clipped a v-cut and, half a dozen matches later, lit the stick up. (Editor: And another half dozen matches later, you've destroyed the evidence of you and the Senator's illicit affair. )

But before I get ahead of myself - holding this puppy to light, I could tell it was going to be a strong smoke. Not surprising, this like the Camacho Coyolar Puro, came out of the CI Full-Bodied Sampler I picked up a few months back. Now I've had potent cigars before, but this one had a very strong version of that tingly nicotine feel you get from full-bodied cigars. I suspected I was in for a treat. (Editor: Know what else would be a treat? If you'd stop calling me every weekend in a drunken stupor, confessing your love of My Little Pony)

I wasn't disappointed - the cigar was strong right out of the gate, and didn't back down. Surprisingly smooth for a maduro, with an excellent draw and build construction, after a minute it really opened up into buttery, leathery notes that really floored me. I wasn't expecting anything like what I got.

I've had a strange run in cigars now - three in a row that have started off somewhat "meh", before really knocking my socks off. This one was a classic example of the kind of full-bodied cigar that sneaks up on you. You don't realize how strong it is until you stand up when you're finished. (Editor: That's what.....he said?)

It wouldn't be a Hassle to (h)offer this cigar to anyone that loves full bodied cigars. And for that, it gets an 8. (Editor: Ugggggghhhh...)


Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro
Size: Toro (6" x 52 ring)
Taste: Wild
Draw: Good
Burn: Even
Flavors: Buttery Leather.
Overall Rating:

Felipe Dominicana Serie Especial T

I've had this review sitting around for a while so I thought I'd post it. Novel idea, huh?

So, I am reaching the end of my CI sampler that I bought a while back. I have let this Felipe Dominicana sit for a while because, frankly, it looked like crap. The bland band art and the middle-of-the-road wrapper color didn't excite me. It looked like filler, and the last filler stick I had was pretty poor.

But this one surprised me. It had a really pleasant mild sweet flavor, and the burn and construction were top-notch. The flavors tended towards a tangy nut flavor, with a lot of vanilla sweetness. Overall, very pleasant.

This was a nice cigar and paired well with the smoother Woodford Reserve bourbon I was drinking. It wasn't the greatest stick I've ever had, but it was a pleasant surprise and I would not hesitate to have another one if it came as filler in another sampler.

In summary, I give it a solid Belvedere.

Felipe Dominicana Serie Especial T
Size: Torpedo (6" x 54 ring)
Taste: Mild
Draw: Great
Burn: Even and consistent
Flavors: Sweet and tangy
Overall Rating:

Streaks on the china
Never mattered before
Who cared?
When you drop kicked your jacket
As you came through the door
No one glared